On Monday, 23 June 2008, 1,000 children from 39 Schools within Thurrock as well as several instrumental ensembles run by Thurrock Music Services travelled up to the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall for Thurrock Music Services 10th Anniversary Concert. The concert was a celebration of the tenth anniversary of the establishment of Thurrock Music Services working for the young people of Thurrock since Unitary Status came into effect in April 1998.
All the children involved were there during the day to rehearse and then entertained their audience with a magnificent concert in the evening. To see that many young people from Thurrock singing, playing and enjoying themselves was breathtaking. Cllr Sue MacPhearson, Deputy Leader of Thurrock Council said, “This is an amazing evening!”
The massed School Choirs sang many songs from a Music Hall Medley to Fame and even a song that had been written by Thurrock pupils from as part of a competition ran by Thurrock Music Services which summed up the evening very well as it was entitled “Thurrock’s The Place”.
The Steel Band Ensemble had the audience and school choirs clapping and tapping their feet and there were excellent performances from the many other ensembles and soloists.
The Finale was a rendition of “Reach for the Stars” and the atmosphere was electric with the enthusiasm and the performance from all the young musicians and massed choirs. There were lots of proud families in attendance as well as the Mayor of Thurrock Cllr John Everett and other Councillors, Sponsors and Headteachers from Thurrock.
Thurrock Music Services issued a new Award in memory of a late colleague Jennifer Bowning for exceptional commitment to music provision in Thurrock and this was awarded to Shaun Bajnoczky, who not only plays in many ensembles but is always willing to assist in the organisation of events as well.
The concert was compered by Graham Cole (aka Tony Stamp from ITV’s The Bill) and he thoroughly entertained the audience during the concert and congratulated the youngsters in what was a very memorable evening for all those involved.
